Worthy is the Lamb
Notes
Transcript
What is it to be worthy?
Remember, we have 4 created beings and twenty-four elders around the throne in heaven.
Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.”
Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice,
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
The Scroll, the Seals, the Incense
Symbolism. This scene is not symbolic in that there is a throne in heaven. The four created beings are described using symbols we can understand, but they are present around the throne. Symbolism is used, but this is not a symbolic happening, it is a real happening.
The scroll is symbolic of the ‘title deed’ of all the Father promised to the son. Considering heir-ship: The line cant be jumped. Only the one in line to receive the inheritance can do so. As John watched this scene, his weeping was born out of a realization NO ONE could open the scroll. This would have meant God’s purposes would remain unaccomplished. Enter the Lamb. VICTORY>TRIUMPH>OVERCOME
The seals are symbolic of and actually outlined the judgements of earth. The wrath of God poured out on all who rejected His Christ. The wrath of God drank by Jesus at the cross removes this event from all those who believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. But the kingdoms of this earth will be judged and found lacking because of their rejection of Jesus. There is a great statement we will get to in a few weeks:
Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”
The incense was not only symbolic but said to BE the prayers of the saints. In Psalm 141 David asked that his prayer be an incense set before the Lord. Incense is intended to provide a pleasant aroma for a space. It was burned in the tabernacle and temple during OT worship and on the Day of Atonement. Doesn't it bring great encouragement to us to know the prayers our grandmothers prayed for us are still kept in those golden bowls in the presence of God? Rising to His nostrils as a sweet smell. Reminding Him of His own faithfulness to answer those prayers prayed long ago? It does me!
Now we can get to worship!
Worthy because of who He is - He is the root of David. He is the Victorious One. He is the Overcomer.
Worthy because of what He does - He takes the righteousness of God and makes it available to man. To whosoever would believe in Him He gives eternal life.
Worthy because of what He has - He has the keys to death and hell which actually unlocks the way to the presence of God. He is the Way. He is the door. He is the gate. He is worthy of our worship
Worthy of Worship
Verse 1
Verse 1
Worthy of worship worthy of praise
Worthy of honor and glory
Worthy of all the glad songs we can sing
Worthy of all of the off'rings we bring
Chorus
Chorus
You are worthy Father Creator
You are worthy Savior Sustainer
You are worthy worthy and wonderful
Worthy of worship and praise
Verse 2
Verse 2
Worthy of rev'rence worthy of fear
Worthy of love and devotion
Worthy of bowing and bending of knees
Worthy of all this and added to these